Slow cookers can save you time and money

[Food Network Fan]

Slow cookers can save you time and money

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Slow cookers have emerged as an appliance that can save you time and stretch your food budget in this tough economic climate. That might explain why sales of slow cookers rose to 9.4 million units in 2008 from 8.9 million in 2007. In the video, right, you’ll see how we tested this popular kitchen appliance and learn about electronic controls, oven-safe containers, and locking lids.Our recent review of electronic and mechanically controlled slow cookers detailed other must-have features, like multiple cooking areas and compartments that can brown meat. But performance did not rise with price, as you’ll find in our ratings (available to subscribers).—Gian TrottaEssential information: See how the slow-cook function on the GE Profile PB975SM electric smoothtop range worked compared with slow cookers. Use these tips to save money when buying food and visit our appliances forums to get the skinny on slow cookers and other kitchen essentials.

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[BerryBaby]

The only reason I got a new at Christmas was because I wanted the stainless finish. The OLD one, that I got back in the late '80's, worked just fine. Gave that to daughter to enjoy.

The new ones have different controls, but I like the old dial much better. Guess that's just me.

[Bentley Green]

I stiil have my old one that I bought in the late '70's and it STILL works great! it was long before the electronic ones came out.

Thinking about doing the pot roast in it today, since I'm cooking one. Of course, and heavy cast iron pot can be used as a slow cooker on the stovetop with the heat turned down real low.

All-Clad has one with a metel insert that lets you start a meal on the stovetop and allows you to finish it in the oven or in the slow cooker.

[MiseEnPlace]

I Of course, and heavy cast iron pot can be used as a slow cooker on the stovetop with the heat turned down real low.

I'd use a cast iron Dutch oven placed in the oven. That method is much better than using the cooktop. Stovetops create a ring of fire from the burner, ovens have omnidirectional heat which is more even.

[Bentley Green]

Yeah I don't doubt that, but I'm just too used to doing the pot roast on top of the stove.

The oven is still needed for the banana nut bread.

[ping]

I love my slow cooker. I use it for everything from chicken to chili.

[Pluff Mudder]

The only reason I got a new at Christmas was because I wanted the stainless finish. The OLD one, that I got back in the late '80's, worked just fine. Gave that to daughter to enjoy.

The new ones have different controls, but I like the old dial much better. Guess that's just me.

I'm only on my second slow cooker. My first one I rec'd as a wedding shower gift (1974) and it was a nice one. Had the removable crock and came with a fry basket so it was a 3 in 1: slow-cooker, reg. cooker and deep fryer. The only reason I replaced it was because the crock was staring to develop a crack. Wasn't leaking, but I didn't want to take the chance. I finally found another one that had the removable crock and a SS finish. It must have been one of the last to have the dial controls because soon after buying it, the mfg. came out with the digital controls.

[Bentley Green]

I've used mine lots of times to make Boston Baked Beans.

My landlord has a Rival Crock Pot Slow Cooker that has the digital controls, and he told me that it boils, which it is not supposed to. He says to me that if he doesn't watch the food, that it could possibly burn.

I thought that the whole purpose behind having and using a slow cooker is so that you can put your meal on to cook in the morning before you go to work and come home to a nice hot meal in the afternoon.

Seems as though the electronics ones, some of them anyway, have to be babysat with to keep the food from burning. There have been numerous complaints about those ones at Epinions.com.

Which is why I'm so glad that I kept my old one!

[BerryBaby]

Haven't had those kinds of problems with mine.

However, I do notice the bottom gets hotter than the old one and have to move from time to time on the counter. They do give a warning about it in the instruction book, so I knew to watch out for this.

[Bentley Green]

I love my old one, and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

I'll keep it as long as it works.